The Maldives Customs Service meanwhile collected MVR261 million as import duties and other fees last month, an increase of 2.23 percent compared to November 2017.

“Approximately MVR3.1 billion worth of goods were imported during November 2017, whereas this year the figure was recorded at MVR3.3 billion. Among the top importing countries, United Arab Emirates recorded the highest with 17% and China at the second with 14%,” according to customs.

The value of exports grew from MVR380 million last year to MVR406.8 million during November this year.

“The largest quantity of the exports was to Thailand which is 48.2% of the total exports for the month of November and Germany coming at second with 10.3% of the total exports.”